Shaw University/U.S. EPA Research Apprenticeship Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Research Apprenticeship Program began in 1990 as a collaborative effort between U.S. Environmental Agency's Office of Research and Development in Research Triangle Park, NC and Shaw University in Raleigh, NC. The program encourages participating high school students to pursue advanced degrees in math, science, and engineering by:

- enriching the scientific and mathematical concepts that students study in the classroom curriculum;
- providing the opportunity to interact with scientists;
- developing effective scientific research and technical skills; and
- enhancing students' motivation, self-confidence and desire to achieve.

Students are nominated for applying as eighth graders by Guidance Counselors, Math & Science Teachers, and Principals in their perspective Wake County Middle Schools. All applications are reviewed by a selection committee. The selection committee consists of Local University personnel, Wake County Public Schools administrators, U.S. EPA personnel and scientists from other science and engineering related businesses.

The program is highly competitive and selective. Each year, the program selects between 10-15 rising ninth graders from over 80 -120 applicants. The number of students selected is determined by the amount of funds provided by the government for that particular year.